Sao Paulo's Pato still harbours hope of World Cup call

Sao Paulo striker Alexandre Pato says he has not given up hope of getting a call up from head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for the imminent World Cup, as players across Brazil wait for news of a team announcement later today.

The 24 year-old former AC Milan forward, who has won 27 caps for his country, said: "I have been working a lot, I always want to be in the national team, I am hopeful."

"I'm always working to realise my dreams and I've never lowered my head. Who knows if my name will be on the list?"

With Scolari traditionally not prone to surprises in terms of squad make-up, it would come as a shock should Pato make the cut, with the boss expected to name Neymar, Jo and Fred as his preferred striking options ahead of the first gae against Croatia on June 12.